Fall Hiking Part 2 – Beauty Around Bristol, VT

Last week we highlighted some fantastic places to explore and hike around Middlebury, and on the TAM in particular, the Trail Around Middlebury. We truly enjoy getting out into the great outdoors and Vermont offers an unmatched beauty you just can’t find anywhere else! The Sugar Maple, Beech, and Yellow Birch trees are stunning and the landscape in the fall makes our area an explorer’s paradise! Today we want to tell you about some great places to go hiking right next door in Bristol, VT.

The town of Bristol is only 20 minutes away from our inn in Middlebury and a great place to get outdoors. There are several trails and areas to choose from that go from short to moderate to strenuous. If you are looking for an easy stroll we suggest you check out Sycamore Park south of town. Here you will find a ½ mile of trails that go through the park and along the river. Another easy place is Bristol Cliffs Wilderness, which involves a ½-mile loop to Beaver Pond starting at the parking area at the top of York Hill.

A little bit longer but still on the easy side is a hike at the Watershed Center Trails. This is a 4-mile round trip trek that includes some hills and takes you through fields and woods and next to ponds and streams—a peaceful place to hike. You may also want to try the Plank Road Walk that starts at Burpee Rd and heads west for a 4-mile round trip loop. On this trek you’ll get a great view of the Adirondacks.

Last, for those of you looking for a challenge, try the 3-mile round trip loop at Bristol Ledges. It is best to park on Main Street and walk to the trailhead. You’ll go left on Mountain Street and then right on Mountain Terrace where at the end will be a jeep road up the hill. You can climb up the road or take a steep shortcut path to the top where you’ll see spectacular views of the town below.

Come out and enjoy all that Vermont has to offer at this time of year—our inn is the perfect home away from home with all of the amenities needed to truly escape and relax. Book a fall getaway today!